What are the best sources for nailhead parts. Bearings, pistons, etc ? Don't some of the bearings, etc interchange with some of the newer Buicks? I know TA is starting to show some interest in the nailheads so for those who haven't looked there, check it out. Also, I had read on the yahoo nailhead board they are looking at getting roller-lifters repro'd. Any idea on the progress?
Adam, I bought pistons for my 401 from Kenne Bell. They were .030 over hyperutectic, I don't think they cost over $200. But, I don't know what else is out there either so I don't know what a nice forged set goes for. Best scources I know are KB, Carmen, Egge Machine, although I've never bought anything from Egge. I do know that the timing cover and rear main are interchangable with the 455 (rear) and I think the 3800 (timing cover). I never went wrong getting stuff from Carmen though. Mark
Adam the 425 shares most parts with the 401, but the 425 cast pistons are just about a thing of the past. As for intakes an injected intake would be nice ( then we can pump the air through the motor ) Carmen has been a primary source of parts in our shop with a great rep. A good trans adapter would be great for an overdrive set up. John
John, Mark, Is Carmen on the 'net at all? We were hoping to get him over this way to moderate, or at least visit. He is a super nice guy from the one time I talked with him years ago. He sold me some steel 430 head gaskets. If he is not, be sure to post his phone number here, and maybe in the vendor's section? Anyway, let him know we reserved a place for him here, and he didn't even have to show up or ask!
Adam, I don't think Carmen has a net presence. He can be contacted at: 716.693.4090 - J&C's Parts 7127 Ward Road North Tonawanda, NY 14120 I've been to his house a couple times. His basement is floor to ceiling Buick engine parts! The KB catalog I have is kinda old - mid 90's at best. They list a hypereutectic (correct spelling) cast piston for the 401 AND 425, +.030 only. 10.2 comp. ratio. I have no clue what the current availability is, but may be worth a call. 909.941.0985 for tech assistance. Hope that helps Adam. Mark
Adam in reguard to your question about the roller tip rockers. They are being done by Tom Telesco, the same nailheader that produced the mini-starter for our beloved nailheads. Last thing I saw was he ready to take orders (read "show me the money and quit your complaining). Price whould be a result of how many firm orders he got. I'm sure Tom will be buy and let us know the progress. :beer I love it!
Great stuff goig on for the nailhead. When some of us get better with this board, I hope to try and put a resource section in to keep this info easily available. Please encourage all the guys that are building this stuff and looking for it too to join up with us. "a nailhead is a terrible thing to waste" :gt:
Give Carmen Faso a call at 716-693-4090 between 9AM---8PM. He has parts for Nailheads and Other GS and Buick performance parts,body parts too. He will be on the Net eventually. Again he is a great source of parts and answers.
Hi Everyone! Very glad to see this forum. Gives us who are not in to strict restorations a place to exchange ideas. I have a 65 Electra convertible, its not a customized car, but it will never be a total restoration show car either. I love using it. I recently made a HEI adaption for it and for a fellow nailheader. They work great! I am strongly considering making some more in a small production run, also maybe for the Buick 300 engine. Anyone interested? It does add a bit more kick! Thanks again and talk to you all later! Jim
Jim, that's a geat deal on the Nailhead HEI. How do you make them? As a heads-up, the 350 Buick HEI will drop right in the 215-300-340 engines excepting the need to use a shallow headed intake manifold bolt and maybe some slight grinding for clearance. The V-6 units can be made up to fit using V-8 electronics and distributor gear. The 400-430-455 is the same too except having a distributor gear of its own. In a nutshell, any of the f ront-distributor engines can be altered to fit the rest with a possible distributor gear change or adaptation from 6 to 8 cylinder configurations.:sleep: hope I didn't bore you to death.
Nailhead HEI Adam You did not bore me at all, as a matter of fact I needed to know what would fit the Buick 300 engines... so a 350 HEI will go right in? I take it other guys must have done this with there cars, so maybe it isnt worth me pursiung making up rebuilt units for these engines. As far as the nailheads go, I use a Chevy HEI (easier to find and plenty around) and machine it to size, add a sleeve I machine, also I modify the dist shaft. Its a bit of work, but works great in my Electra, and also for someone elses 64 Riv. I am considering making up 10 or so and selling them. The only trouble I find is the dist hold down. I simply turn it upside down! But I may make a new one to make it easier to install. The HEI makes a hotter spark, burns better and gives a bit more punch. Anyone interested?? Thanks Adam.
TA Performance has every size (cast) piston for the 401 & 425 Nailheads, including std bore, .030, .040 and some .020 & .060. We also are one of the few places that has NEW camshafts. We also carry brand new Mallory Unilite distributors for the Nailheads. One of our more popular items is a high performance oil pump that no one else offers! We have all of the other support items also, like neo seals, gaskets, bearings and valve train parts. We are always adding new items. SHORTY HEADERS COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!!
Dave, Glad to see you on board! Any news yet on exhaust systems for the 63-65 Rivieras? And about the nailhead cams - I can't find any specs anywhere for them, website or catalog. Do you think that can be added to TA's website?
I can't figure out why this thread is here, last post is so long ago. BUT! I am installing TA's 2.5 exhaust on my 65 Riv. Will post some pix when I am done if anybody is interested. Only modification so far is a little spacerto seal the 2.5 ball to the stock 2.25 manifold outlet
I am interested to see and hear how it goes. I have seen quite a bit of interest shown in them, but have not read any actual feedback yet. Regards Kevin
pistons? Tell me what it takes to put forged 455 slugs in a 425? The bore diameter is nearly the same, rings are interchangeable... Ah, heck, maybe I should just put the block girdle on the 455 and pretend it's as strong as a nailhead.
The 425 pistons are domed considerably, the dome sticks up above the deck to fill up a portion of the hemispherical head. The 455 pistons are dished or flat up to about 11:1 CR, head has a wedge combustion chamber. I'm sure one of the high-end custom piston manufacturers will be glad to take your money to make a set of custom forged for the 425. They'll be light weight and take a better ring package than the low-end 455 forgings.
brain vacation Thanks, John. Once I read your post I realized that the vertical valves in the nailhead made for big chambers that needed filled, but to put 2 and 2 together in my head.... I was [and am] just trying to find a set of $600 pistons and make them fit instead of the $900 custom made ones. In my desperation, I even wondered how far the heads could be milled to reduce chamber volume.... Right up there with my pitiful attempts to design a 300 that will run 6500 rpm under 20 pounds boost ! Before I start, I want to make sure the engines don't have to be built with unobtainium alloy machined with diamond tooling under the light of a full moon during the winter solstice. Just the way I am, but I'd rather machine 57 varieties of Rover, Oldsmobile, Holden and Zil parts to fit than buy custom-made or off-the-shelf SBC stuff at the local automart. Silly, huh ?
When buying Nailhead pistons, be careful not to pay too much.....they are not out of production.........I got mine from Egge.....paid $200 for the whole set of 425 cast pistons, quality was excellent. :bglasses:
